Practical Wisdom for Cancer, July 3
Written by Justin Wood
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Proverbs 11:14 NIV).
The waiting room looked like most: comfy chairs, encouraging but generic quotes on the wall about thinking positive. The receptionist answered the phone, and smiled when people signed their name and arrival time on the paper. I felt obligated to show a smile to the people who sat near me, but my stomach was doing cartwheels and I had a cold sweat. For thirty-eight years, fake smiles and nausea were my constant companions in every waiting room. My childhood cancer made some unseen part of me believe that every waiting room was a trap. But I was ready for some victory in this battle, so I sat in the therapist’s waiting room ready to talk about the emotional wounds that cancer had inflicted on me thirty-eight years ago.
In today’s verse, we are promised that “victory is won with many advisers.” With cancer, we strive for a medical victory, but our need for victories does not stop there. This means that your need for advisors is much broader than your medical team. Let’s look at practical, real-life cancer concerns and how a person can bring in many advisers.
First, let me say that social media platforms are usually not the best sources of advisers filled with wisdom. So please be careful how you navigate your cancer journey and social media. However, good advisers have the potential to help prevent future hardships in your life in a number of areas of your cancer journey:
Medical advice- Do not be afraid to research, seek second opinions, and find as many people as possible who have similar journeys.
Insurance advice- Navigating the different types of insurance and policies during cancer can be difficult. However, finding wise counsel can be a huge asset.
Financial advice- Simple ideas like budgets and monthly planning can become so difficult during a cancer journey. Find a trusted bookkeeper or accountant who can help you.
Mental health advice- Find a quality therapist who can work with the entire family as they experience cancer.
Spiritual advice- Seek out a chaplain who is trained in helping cancer patients. Specifically tell the local church any ways they can help. Don’t forget all the resources at Cancer Companions.
Today’s verse was written by King Solomon, the wisest man on the planet. Yet, he believed many advisors could lead him to victory. Of course, we want outstanding medical advice to obtain victory over cancer. But forsaking the other areas of life can lead to more hardships in the future. Ultimately, you will need to listen to the advice of experts, and then make a decision that you are comfortable with.
Pray: Jesus, thank You that I can come to You for advice. Show me who to trust and to seek advice from. Amen.
Your Turn: With or without cancer, make a list of areas of your life. Write out advisers who you can add to your team in those different areas.
Justin Wood, Childhood Cancer Survivor
Justin lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky with his wife and six homeschooled kids. Through his life, Justin has become a wonderful mix of entrepreneur, English teacher, and foreign missionary. He is a survivor of childhood cancer. Justin is very grateful for Cancer Companions and the opportunity to be a part of this devotional writing process.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
